This Companys Employees Look Like Theyre Playing Video GamesBut Theyre Controlling Submarines

This Companys Employees Look Like Theyre Playing Video GamesBut Theyre Controlling SubmarinesThis Companys Employees Look Like Theyre Playing Video GamesBut Theyre Controlling SubmarinesSorry, parents. It turns out playing Call of Duty might actually be relevant experience for the real world after all. And you can thank global aerospace and technology company Lockheed Martin for that.Higher Tech Doesnt Always Mean Higher CostIn a move designed to make its technology more intuitive and easily replaceable, the Navy is working with Lockheed Martin to replace old (and expensive) custom joysticks on Virginia-Class submarine periscopes with something more modern Xbox 360 controllers.It might not look serious, but Virginia Class submarines are powerful, expensive machines.Reason number one people love the idea? Money. The previous joystick model and its accompanying control panel cost nearly $40,000. The Xbox 360 controller, on the other hand, retails for $40. If you need help with the math , that means the new option is 99,900 percent cheaper.But its not just government accountants who are happy.A Familiar Feeling For Newer Navy RecruitsThat joystick is by no means cheap, and it is only designed to fit on a Virginia-class submarine, a Navy nuclear submarine assistant navigator told a Virginia newspaper. I can go to any video game store and procure an Xbox controller anywhere in the world, so it makes a very easy replacement.fruchtwein new recruits probably grew up playing war games like Call of Duty on the XBOX 360.The Xbox controller will still work with the built-in panel, which displays images sent down from the two masts of the periscope (which Lockheed Martin also designed). These new photonic imaging masts use a series of cameras, light sensors, and other pieces of cutting-edge imaging tech to provide a more nuanced picture of the submarines surroundings. They also allow for simultaneous viewing.Lockheed Martin has been working on the program since this past Nov ember, when it kicked off with the USS Colorado. It has continued to expand and will ultimately include all Virginia-class submarines in the Navy fleet. But this isnt a one-and-done project. Lockheed Martin employees will continue working with the Navy to develop tech solutions that will cut costs and increase efficiency. Aparte from retrofitting nuclear submarines with Xbox 360 controllers, Lockheeds secretive Skunk Works development team also built an autonomous airship repair robot with almost entirely off-the-shelf parts. Curious to know what else is in the pipeline? Apply to open positions at Lockheed Martin and be a part of this innovative work. Theyre hiring now on WayUpLockheed Martin is a leading global aerospace and technology company that works with partners around the world to drive forward scientific research and innovation.